Former CBI boss and head of Scottish Enterprise among birthday honours

Iain McMillan, who retired as director of the CBI Scotland last year, has been knighted for his services to the economy north of the border.

Mr McMillan, who was appointed a CBE in 2003, spent 19 years as head of the CBI north of the border which culminated in a difficult few months when he was embroiled in a dispute over the Scottish referendum.

He continues to play an active role in public life and was appointed chairman of a Scottish Conservatives’ commission looking into Scotland’s new tax powers.

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, 50, who last week accompanied First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the US, is appointed a CBE for services to economic development in Scotland.

Also appointed a CBE is John Mason, head of directorate for economic development in the Scottish government.

The list of OBE appointees includes Peter Dawson, chief executive of the Royal & Ancient golf club at St Andrews; Sandra Burke, chief executive of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce; Prof John Beath, emeritus professor of economics at St Andrews University and Michael Thornton, director, Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and Scottish Power Foundation.

Other notable recipients include motor neurone disease campaigner Gordon Aikman who is awarded the British Empire Medal.

Composer James MacMillan is knighted and Edinburgh-born broadcaster Nicky Campbell is appointed an OBE for services to children.

Lynne McNicoll achieves the same honour after raising more than £1m to support children with cancer and their families.

Her fundraising activities inspired her to set up the Edinburgh-based charity It’s Good to Give and she has continued to raise funds despite being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.